“These are initiatives that human rights defenders characterize as “repressive” and “undemocratic””, — write: www.radiosvoboda.org
These are initiatives that human rights activists characterize as “repressive” and “undemocratic.” Salome Zurabishvili, who does not recognize the legitimacy of the parliament, did not sign them and did not veto them.
Kavelashvili signed the documents on December 29, the day of his inauguration. In the evening, they were already published on the website of the “Legislative Herald of Georgia”.
The laws provide for the following:
- ban on covering the face during promotions, use of pyrotechnics and other restrictions;
- changes related to the storage and use of pyrotechnic products,
- amendments to the Law “On the Police”, simplifying the employment process for certain categories of employees of the Ministry of Internal Affairs;
- changes to the law “On State Protection”, as a result of which Salome Zurabishvili will no longer be provided with state protection;
- changes in the “Electoral Code” that increase the share of the majority element in municipalities;
- changes in the law “On Civil Service”, which, according to human rights defenders, facilitate the dismissal of employees for political reasons.
According to the signed laws, from December 30, 2024 in Georgia
the use of pyrotechnic products and lasers during gatherings and demonstrations is prohibited; “covering the face with a mask or any other means” is prohibited, as well as organized blocking of roads and unauthorized placement of protest stencils/inscriptions/posters.
Protests in Georgia have been going on since November 28. They began after Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze announced the suspension of negotiations on joining the EU until 2028.
During the actions, more than 400 people were detained, said the Deputy Head of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Georgia Oleksandr Darakhvelidze. He specified that 30 detainees were held criminally liable, administrative cases were initiated against 372 citizens.